Type on a table

We started 2012 with a little project that had been on our list for a long time. Our meeting table was looking a little uninspired and didn’t really fit with the feel we were after. The solution, of course, was to add type to it.

Here’s what we did:

1 Design

We created a design ourselves, but you could log into http://www.wordle.net to make your own word cloud if you like something quick. Instructions are there and it’s really simple to use. But we have to warn… you can get addicted to wordle!

2 Print it

You will need to print your design out at the actual size needed for your table. We used a large format printer. If you don’t have one check your local print shop. Make sure the stock is not too thin as this will be your stencil and you don’t want it to tear easily or the paint to bleed through it and end up with a soggy mess.

3 Cut it out!

This part will take the longest but is worth the effort. Grab your scalpel and carefully cut out the letters. This needs to be reasonably accurate so you can keep the characteristics of the fonts you have used.

Make sure you don’t cut through the letters like o, p, a, b, e and d. If you cut through fully there won’t be an inside of the o and it will just look like a big dot. The black in this photos shows what we haven’t cut out.

4 Prepare the table

Our table was found in a second hand store and overall in pretty good condition. It was sanded back to remove the yellow varnish and a dark stain added to the frame and legs to make the top more of the feature.

5 Apply the stencil

This is the fun part! We used matt black acrylic paint and applied with a sponge for a more uneven look. You could use a brush but the sponge didn’t seep under the stencil edges too much and was really quick. Plus left a nice texture. All depends of the effect you want.

Once this was dry it was sanded back so it looks a little rough and not too solid black. Don’t be too delicate, you can’t really mess it up. Wipe all the dust off with a soft cloth and it’s ready to finish.

To dull the contrast between the light wood colour and black paint a coat of stain was brushed over, then wiped off with a brush filled with turps. We had to work fast before it dried but the turps in the brush gave it a rough and uneven look.

6 Protect it

To protect the artwork and table from staining we used is a clear satin. You can’t really tell it’s there but it works great, we can put laptops, boxes, etc on and no risk of damaging the design. Follow the instructions for what you use, we had to give it three coats with a fine sand in-between.

7 Share it with us!

If you do give this a try email a photo through we would love to see what you come up with.